Florida school officials in prayer case could get jail time

[FayeforCure]

Florida school officials in prayer case could get jail time
Story Highlights
Two Florida school administrators accused of violating consent order on prayer

If convicted, two could be sentenced to up to six months in prison and fined

ACLU sued district on behalf of students who alleged prayer held at school events

Parties agreed to consent decree in January; ACLU not part of criminal proceedings

(CNN) -- Two Florida school administrators were due to appear in federal court Thursday to face contempt charges for saying a prayer at a school luncheon.

Frank Lay, principal of Pace High School in Pace, Florida, and school athletic director Robert Freeman are accused of violating a consent decree banning employees of Santa Rosa County schools from endorsing religion.

They face a nonjury trial before U.S. District Judge M.C. Rodgers. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to six months in prison and fined, subject to sentencing guidelines.

Defense attorneys have said it is it outrageous Lay and Freeman are facing prosecution for "a simple prayer." But the American Civil Liberties Union, whose lawsuit led to the consent decree, maintains students have a right to be free from administrators who foist their personal religious beliefs on them.

However, an ACLU representative said the organization "never suggested" people should go to jail for violating the decree, and the organization is not involved in the criminal proceedings.

The ACLU filed suit last year against the school district in northwest Florida on behalf of two Pace students who alleged that "officials regularly promoted religion and led prayers at school events," according to an ACLU statement.

Both parties approved the consent decree put in place January 9 under which district and school officials are "permanently prohibited from promoting, advancing, endorsing, participating in or causing prayers during or in conjunction with school events," the ACLU said.

Lay was a party in the initial lawsuit, and his attorney was among those approving the consent decree, according to the organization. In addition, the court required that all district employees receive a copy.

But on January 28, "Lay asked Freeman to offer a prayer of blessing during a school-day luncheon for the dedication of a new field house at Pace High School," according to court documents.

"Freeman complied with the request and offered the prayer at the event. It appears this was a school-sponsored event attended by students, faculty and community members."

Attorneys from Liberty Counsel, a conservative legal group helping defend Lay and Freeman, have said that attendees included booster club members and other adults who helped the field house project -- all "consenting adults."

Three U.S. lawmakers who are members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus have written a letter in support of the two school administrators, saying that "many of America's Founding Fathers were resolute in their faiths, and the impact of such is evident in the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and many of their writings."

The letter from Reps. J. Randy Forbes, R-Virginia; Mike McIntyre, D-North Carolina; and Jeff Miller, R-Florida, said the congressmen were writing as members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.

"The tradition of offering prayer in America has become so interwoven into our nation's spiritual heritage that to charge someone criminally for engaging in such a practice would astonish the men who founded this country on religious liberty," the lawmakers wrote.

All AboutAmerican Civil Liberties Union • Florida

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/09/17/florida.school.prayer/

[heights unknown]

This is apalling.  We can curse in front of our children, molest children, fill our children's head with evolution and other mind altering thoughts and wonder why they hate us and murder each other, ban the10 commandments out of public view and from our children and schools, murder innocent people and babies, and even hold satanic rituals and animal sacrifices to satan with no problem; but yet when someone wants to pray in public, to the God that made this nation great, it's all wrong and we want to behead them or send them to Prison.

And everyone wonders why the economy is in shambles, our military power has waned, our finances are in a mess, the weather is whacky in a way that it appears its turning on us, increase in other natural disasters, and the latest report is that the U.S. is no longer the world's number one power...at all.

Keep dissing God and we all, in the late great United States, will see what's next.  I'm not talking about religion because we know what that's about...that's why we have most of the problems around the world, because of religion.

Just my opinion. Erase this if you like but it is the truth.

Heights Unknown

[BridgeTroll]

Incredible... Thanks Faye!  Did you post because you agree or disagree?

[jandar]

Whatever happened to a moment of silence where you could pray to your own deity(s)?

As much as I believe in people having the right to believe how they want to, I also think that no one religion is above the rest with regards to rights.

Its a simple solution:
Prayer for Christians
Prayer for Muslims
Prayer for Jews
Sing a mantra for the Hindus
Allow monks and a Buddha statue for the Buddhists.
Allow time for Taoist rituals.
Setup a shrine for the Shintos.
Allow an altar for the Santeria worshipers
Create a ritual circle for the Pagans
Allow a smoking area for the Rastafarians.

Seems simple enough to do before lunch and athletic activities.

[DavidWilliams]

Jail time over prayer? Wow, the end is near.

[FayeforCure]

Whatever happened to a moment of silence where you could pray to your own deity(s)?

As much as I believe in people having the right to believe how they want to, I also think that no one religion is above the rest with regards to rights.

Its a simple solution:
Prayer for Christians
Prayer for Muslims
Prayer for Jews
Sing a mantra for the Hindus
Allow monks and a Buddha statue for the Buddhists.
Allow time for Taoist rituals.
Setup a shrine for the Shintos.
Allow an altar for the Santeria worshipers
Create a ritual circle for the Pagans
Allow a smoking area for the Rastafarians.

Seems simple enough to do before lunch and athletic activities.

I prefer the moment of silence, in place of any religious ritual. At public expense on public time we shouldn't favor any religion over another, nor impose religion on the 24 million non-religious Americans.

[BridgeTroll]

No doubt... throw em in jail!

[FayeforCure]

No doubt... throw em in jail!

Hmmm, pretty radical, I agree.

The ACLU filed suit last year against the school district in northwest Florida on behalf of two Pace students who alleged that "officials regularly promoted religion and led prayers at school events," according to an ACLU statement.

Both parties approved the consent decree put in place January 9 under which district and school officials are "permanently prohibited from promoting, advancing, endorsing, participating in or causing prayers during or in conjunction with school events," the ACLU said.

But on January 28, "Lay asked Freeman to offer a prayer of blessing during a school-day luncheon for the dedication of a new field house at Pace High School," according to court documents.

I wonder however, how you would feel if some islamic blessing had been used during public time and at public expense?

[BridgeTroll]

In a civil society vs a litigious one... People would be silent, bow there head respectfully... and pray or not to whoever they want.

When growing up... my family never said "Grace" prior to meals... I have always felt a bit uncomfortable while a guest at someones house while this ritual is performed.

The proper way to cope... is to silently "pray" to whatever diety strikes you fancy at the time.

Or.... we can just throw the miscreants in jail...

[Lunican]

Well this certainly speaks to the validity of the initial lawsuit that "officials regularly promoted religion and led prayers at school events" considering they couldn't even help themselves after a court order barring it.

[jaxnative]

Great e-mail I received.  Checked it out. It happened.  Bravo to this lady.

This is a statement that was read over the PA  s ystem at the football game at   Roane County High School , Kingston , Tennessee , by school Principal, Jody McLeod < /div>


"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country." 

Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate life style," and if someone is offended, that's OK. 

I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe sex.." If someone is offended, that's OK. 

I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable! means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem... 

I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology.." 

I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment.." 

However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.. 

This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. 

Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments. 

Nevertheless , as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. 

For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time. 

"However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do s o . As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet." 

One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray. 

They prayed in the stands.. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box! 

The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America- the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD." 

Somehow, Kings ton , Tennessee Remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom   FROM Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains! 

I wonder however, how you would feel if some islamic blessing had been used during public time and at public expense?

Just go up to Dearborn and other parts of Michigan and you will hear the Islamic call to prayer blasting from loudspeakers five time a day.  Up there in Imam Conyers territory.

Well this certainly speaks to the validity of the initial lawsuit that "officials regularly promoted religion and led prayers at school events" considering they couldn't even help themselves after a court order barring it.

Yea, we'll legislate and enforce those savage, primal urges out of them.

[Jason]

How can prayer for someone's well being and safety be a negative?  I'm a Christian and can easily find it in my heart to respect others and their choices.  I am also not likely alone in saying that if someone wanted to pray for me, no matter what language or religion, I'm happy to accept it.  We certainly need all the prayer we can get!  Even if someone is athiest or agnostic, why fret over someone sying a prayer for your well being?  Does it harm you?  Does it make you look bad?

Just chalk it up as someone doing something they feel will help you, wether you believe it or not. 

[Omarvelous09]

Jail is a bit harsh....but i think an example should be made.

[Lunican]

I guess that's what happens when you do exactly what a judge tells you not to do.

[BridgeTroll]

I dont think religion was being promoted... nor was anyone forced to pray.  The percieved slight.. was er... slight.  The thirty seconds of prayer could be ignored.  The suit is silly.